UV Protective Swim Shirts Help Belize Twins Live a Normal Life

Over the Summer UV Skinz was contacted by an employee of ProWorld Belize, an organization that gives people the opportunity to travel abroad and volunteer in under privileged communities. Most villages have limited education and inadequate health services. During a routine mobile clinic visit, in the village of Bullet Tree, two young girls were seen by a Dermatologist for a genetic trait disorder. This non life-threatening disorder, actinic dermatitis, is caused by exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity). The UV rays cause them to develop blisters on their arms, faces and legs–anywhere the sun touches their skin. The only treatment is to stay out of UV light.

You could imagine the discomfort in a town where temperatures reach in the excess of 90 degrees. The Dermatologist suggested that avoiding direct exposure to sunlight and wearing clothing to protect their hypersensitive skin areas would be the best solution. That’s where UV Skinz came to the rescue! We sent the girls a package of long-sleeve UV protective shirts in modest colors so that they could layer them over their school uniform on the way to school. They will even be able to wear the UV protective swim shirts on their own because of the non-irritating flat lock stitching through out, breathable weave of the fabric and overall softness. We are so touched to be able to help these two beautiful girls attend school confidently and for them to live a normal life!Now they will be able to avoid chronic infections and scarring associated with their sun-blisters.

About half of the children who get actinic dermatitis will have it as an adult. One good thing is that actinic dermatitis becomes milder with age. Treatment for actinic dermatitis parallels basic sun protection habits.

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the hours of 10am-4pm

Wear appropriate clothing to protect hypersensitive areas.

Use sunscreen

Use of topical medication and other prescriptions provided by a doctor.